Literary analysis A genre of writing

What is a Literary Analysis essay? A literary analysis is not merely a summary of a literary work. It is an argument about the work that expresses a writer’s personal perspective, interpretation, judgment, or critical evaluation. This is accomplished by examining literary devices, word choices, or writing structures the author uses within the work. The topic chosen should always be based on a writer’s interpretation of the author’s message.

Topic options Form an idea around… A Character Setting Plot Themes Dialogue Imagery Figure of Speech Tone Point of View Note: Be careful that the literary analysis is not a summary. Example: Abigail Williams is not to blame: the adults are at fault.

INTRODUCTION Assume your reader is well-educated and well-read can understand your topic without extensive background. Global Statement: The first sentence of the introduction Attention-getter Is broad and global in scope introduces the topic, yet does not reveal opinion Does not take a wildly distant perspective - “From the dawn of mankind . . .” Options: anecdote, illustration, use humor, yes or no question Example: The saying that the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree, is all too true in Arthur Miller’s The Crucible. Introduction: Don’t summarize Link the Global Statement to your culminating point, THE THESIS STATEMENT, by providing additional information until you reach your thesis. Make sure that each sentence leads into the next and relates. Don’t reveal supporting evidence that should be left for the body (specific examples)

Thesis statement The writer’s idea written as one clear statement in the last sentence of the introduction. Must be a debatable idea (two or more perspectives to this topic). There must be enough evidence in the literary work to support your idea. Non-debatable Thesis: Arthur Miller’s The Crucible is about one town’s hysteria and the horrible consequences of their actions. (Essay is framed as a summary and this idea is indisputable and undeniable) Debatable Thesis: Arthur Miller’s The Crucible focuses on the lack of morals and reason in the adult community of Salem, Massachusetts; thus, Abigail Williams, a traumatized orphan, cannot be blamed for her actions, because the adults are at fault for her lack of morals and the outcome of the story.

Topic Sentences The first sentence of each body paragraph does the following: Acts as a roadmap to the essay. Names the topic of that paragraph. Refers back to the topic in the last paragraph in order to link it to the topic in the current paragraph; thus, it becomes a transitional sentence.

Example topic sentences Topic Sentence 1 (1st Sentence of Body Paragraph 1) The adult characters’ gross behavior begins with their shameful gullibility and shocking inability to apply reason, which Abigail Williams and the other children cannot be blamed for since they were just playing with matches. Topic Sentence 2 (1st Sentence of Body Paragraph 2) Not only do the actions of the adults show their gullibility and lack of reason, but also they show that the adults perpetuate the madness that burns through Salem. Topic Sentence 3 (1st Sentence of Body Paragraph 3) Aside from abandoning all reason, certain adults add fuel to the fire by hiding the truth and protecting Abigail, which no adult should do for any child, and it calls to question their moral goodness.

Conclusion Reworded Thesis Rephrase: change word choice & arrangement of words As much as readers like to blame her, Abigail Williams is not at fault: the adults directly impacted the outcome of the story with their lack of morals and reason. The Clincher Leave a lasting impression Use humor, end on a serious note, come full circle to your global, or apply the metaphor Children cannot be blamed when parents do not lead by example and say, “Do as I say and not as I do”.